adoption leave
Time off work that is available to parents when a child is newly placed for adoption. It is available to an individual or to one member of a couple (although the other may qualify for paternity leave; see Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (and Regulations (Amendments) 2014)). To qualify for leave, an employee must have worked continuously for the employer for 26 weeks ending with the week in which they are notified of being matched with a child for adoption.

Adopters are entitled to up to 26 weeks’ ordinary adoption leave followed by up to 26 weeks’ additional adoption leave. Leave may start from the date of the child’s placement or from a fixed date that can be up to 14 days before the expected date of placement. During leave, most adopters are entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) from their employers. This is payable for up to 39 weeks. The rate of Statutory Adoption Pay is the same as the standard rate of Statutory Maternity Pay (see maternity rights). Adopters must inform their employers of their intention to take adoption leave within seven days of being notified by their adoption agency that they have been matched with a child for adoption, unless this is not reasonably practicable. Employees are protected from suffering detriment or unfair dismissal for reasons related to taking, or seeking to take, adoption leave. Employees who believe they have been treated unfairly can complain to an employment tribunal. See also dependants’ leave; parental leave; paternity leave.

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